Representatives from VEXUS MetroNet attended the Oct. 14 Sulphur City Council meeting to answer questions about fiber construction disruptions and reported utility hits in the Clayton area. The company said it is contracting ground-penetrating radar (GPR) vendors, coordinating locates with the city and will reimburse the city for costs to repair utilities damaged during construction.

Why it matters: VEXUS is installing fiber infrastructure that requires directional boring in areas with aging underground utilities. When locates are incomplete or infrastructure is not accurately mapped, construction crews can strike existing lines, causing service disruptions and repair obligations.

Company presentation and mitigation steps

A VEXUS project manager said the company instructs crews to call 811 and await locates prior to directional boring, but acknowledged that older infrastructure is sometimes not marked. The company said it is contracting GPR to verify underground utility locations in areas with uncertain paint marks and will pay for GPR services in the Sulphur market. VEXUS representatives also said they are reimbursing the city for costs to repair water infrastructure that was damaged in previous operations and will coordinate closely with city staff on future locates.

Public and council reaction

Council members thanked VEXUS representatives for appearing and for offering additional mitigation measures. Residents who spoke in public comment said they wanted assurances that repairs will be prompt and that the city and company maintain communication about problem locations. VEXUS representatives said about 1,600 passes and 14 LCPs remain in the build and that teams are working to reduce disruption.

Ending

VEXUS representatives said they will provide additional information to the city about their GPR vendor and will continue to coordinate locates and repairs with city public-works and utilities staff. Council members asked staff to continue monitoring construction impacts and to ensure the company reimburses the city for any documented damages.